I have always believed that things happen for a reason. It has helped me understand and accept things that have happened in my life and in my family’s lives.
I wasn’t too happy moving into a two bedroom condo a few years ago at the age of 50 something. I didn’t feel like we belonged in a building where there was a pull cart in every parking space in the garage. Where did the time go? Why didn’t my life turn out the way I dreamed it would be?
Don’t get me wrong, I am so proud of my children and my husband and the times we had raising our family. There were wonderful moments- and some not so wonderful. (Teenage years- not so much) I just always thought we would raise our family in one house, where we made memories and had traditions – a house where our grandchildren would come and carry on those traditions. I thought we’d have a house where our grandchildren would see where their parents grew up- a house that had memories in every room and a wall that marked the heights of their parents from the time they were two.
It actually hurts inside when I think about it. My kids don’t have a childhood home to visit. All their things are packed away in a storage unit. Their lives are moving on, I get it, but I wish they were able to come home to something familiar and comforting. I always told Jim, “Home is where the heart is” (not my own words, but I use them often) and I do believe that. We have made wherever we lived “our home” but I wish we didn’t have to live in so many places. I could get into why and how we lived in six different homes, but that is another story and another month of blogging.
My point to this blog tonight is to say, we are living in this condo because we are supposed to be here. We are supposed to be in a place with no stairs, an underground garage for those cold and icy mornings, and a guest bedroom. We are supposed to have a step-in shower and a beautiful view. I was supposed to be married to the most unselfish, wonderful husband anyone could ever ask for. We were supposed to live in this condo so my parents could live with us for a short time after my father’s surgery. We were supposed to live near Hinsdale Hospital and Lagrange Inpatient Rehab hospital.
It’s funny how life can change so quickly.
Reflections of My Life 
Oh, this Slice. It’s filled with sadness and acceptance and fate and regret – all at once. I feel your beautiful self in this piece – gently accepting the way things are even if it’s not what you planned. Gently accepting that right here is where you’re supposed to be. Gently accepting that your family is really your home.
Beautifully written. So many emotions in one short Slice.
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Life is fragile and uncertain, so we need to savor all the moments.
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Your description of the emotions of moving to a condo after the children have left the nest has given me food for thought as our family is approaching a similar situation. Thanks for your honesty.
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so much to ponder with your slice. Sinatra sang, “regrets, I’ve had a few…but I did it my way.” there is so much I love about your slice, but I will say your honesty and raw emotion dealing with loss and roads not traveled is deeply resonating.
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Loss, acceptance, regret and fate–all intertwined in this poignant piece. Thank you for sharing.
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Your post is so poignant and honest. Reflection can be pleasurable, but sometimes it is painful. I love that you leave us with that beautiful visual image after sharing those heartfelt words. Thanks for sharing your ‘slice’ with us all.
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Your slice is why I love this March challenge so much. I always find that there is someone whose experience can lead me and guide me into the unknown ahead. Right now, we do have the “privilege” of living in the home we raised our children in, but it’s becoming a burden and I’m wondering how to go forward. Your gentle words remind me of what really matters. Thank you.
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This post is so real — I love your conclusion as it adds a surprising and very noble release at the end.
Poignant. Thank you.
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https://vickielawrites.wordpress.com
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Vicki, I love your honesty ! It’s so true, life goes too fast. I always trell my daughter, “Life is not a dress rehearsal” whenever she is trying to make a decision. I am happy you are going to take time to take care of “you”. You deserve it!
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I love that saying too about things happening for a reason although sometimes it is hard to figure out that reason. I’m glad that you found your reason.
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I used to believe everything happened for a reason, and then I started watching people around me. I couldn’t see the “reasons” for hard things that were happening in their lives. Then we lost my mother-in-law in a quick moment when my children were quite young. It was in this moment that I started to change my thinking. Maybe not everything did happen for a reason, but to get through I was going to have to make the best of it, muster up some strength, and say a few extra prayers.
It sounds like you are making it work. My guess is that home is where you are, and that your children feel this when they visit.
Cathy
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I hear your voice when reading your post. Your outlook on life is so positive and uplifting!
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